abaya

Let me clarify: I don't find the idea of hell disturbing, because indeed, I don't give a rat's ass about it.

What I find disturbing is that when an evangelical Christian interacts with me, the primary thought in their mind (in one way or another) is that "here is an unsaved person," or that I have "rejected my salvation," that I am somehow "wretched," "corrupt," etc. in their minds. It doesn't matter what else I am capable of, or what is going on in my life, etc... all that matters is whether or not they can relate to me (or not) as a fellow person going to heaven. I find it extremely annoying. I much prefer to simply interact as two humans, both doing the best we can, regardless of where we believe we're going (or not) after we die. But Christians are compelled to *worry* about where other people are going when they die. I wish they wouldn't bother, frankly.
I did not say that it was "just" a Christian thing. I, specifically, used to be a Christian, and I walked away from Christianity. If I had formerly been a Hindu, Muslim, Jew, or something else, then I would have been walking away from those religions. As it is, I have issues with pretty much all religions, so no, I don't see it is as "just a Christian" thing. But it is the only religion that I have summarily rejected, and it is the topic of this thread, so that is why I couched my post in those terms.

And since you asked, with Buddhism there is no "eternal damnation," and there isn't really even a "conversion." You either live it, or you don't. If I was forced to choose another belief system, I would have to go with that one. Not the pop-culture one that is served up in, say, Theravada Buddhism, however... (which I'm most familiar with from Thai culture), but something more adherent to doctrine.

By the way, what's up with the demeaning attitude here? I'd appreciate it if you toned it down a bit.

__________________
And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran